Bioassayed demineralized bone matrix and calcium sulfate: use in bone-grafting procedures.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: A combination product of bioassayed, demineralized bone matrix (AlloGro, AlloSource, Denver CO) and calcium sulfate pellets (OsteoSet, Wright Medical Technology, Arlington TN) was utilized in a prospective clinical study in 50 patients in need of bone-grafting procedures. It was proposed that the osteoinductive activity of the demineralized bone matrix combined with the osteoconduction and rapid dissolution of the calcium sulfate pellets would complement each other in promoting bone formation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS: The patients were evaluated clinically and radiographically at regular intervals post-operatively by an independent clinician. A total 10-point healing score was used to determine healing characteristics and progress. Fifty patients (24 males and 26 females) were treated for benign bone lesions (35), nonunion (11), osteomyelitis (3), and acute fracture (1). The average age was 33 years (range, 3-64 years). Lesions were located in the femur (16), tibia (15), humerus (7), and other sites (12).

RESULTS: The average length of follow-up was 14 months (range, 6-32 months). Forty-nine of 50 patients healed their lesions (98%), requiring an average time to heal of 11.8 weeks (range, 3-48 weeks). There were no graft-related complications.

CONCLUSIONS: The results of this preliminary clinical study suggest that a combination of bioassayed demineralized bone matrix and calcium sulfate is very effective in treating benign lesions of bone, as well as nonhealing fractures, which is comparable to grafting with autograft. Future studies have been undertaken utilizing this combination in all acute operative settings and fracture management situations.